Interactive presentation viewing system employing multi-media components

ABSTRACT

An interactive, multi-media presentation viewing system and process for viewing educational or business presentations integrating presentation graphics in the form of presentation slides, video, audio, text, and other streaming media into a powerfully coordinated viewing experience for the end user. The viewing system is an aggregate of synchronized presentation graphics, video, and text displays employing a graphical user interface that allows the user to control all aspects of media playback.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of a previously-filed provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 60/364,510 filed on Mar. 15, 2002.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The invention is related to an educational or business presentationviewing system having multi-media components, and more particularly toan interactive, multi-media presentation viewing system that integratespresentation graphics in the form of presentation slides, video, audio,text, and other streaming media.

2. Background Art

Multimedia presentations in their simplest form involve the use of avariety of media, such as video, audio, slideshows, and text to presentscripted presentations to mass audiences for such purposes as virtualclassrooms or other educational and business presentations. Though therehas been a recent explosion in the use of such multimedia presentations,very little work is ongoing in the field of interactive multimediapresentations. Interactive multimedia presentations have the promise ofproviding all new presentation and learning environments. Rather thanthe traditional canned presentation or lecture, a viewer of aninteractive multimedia presentation would be able to play back thepresentation while interacting with it to view or review specificsections, access additional information, search and even bookmark thepresentation.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed toward an interactive, multi-mediapresentation viewing system that integrates presentation graphics in theform of presentation slides, video, audio, text, and other streamingmedia into a powerfully coordinated viewing experience for the end user.The viewing system is an aggregate of synchronized presentationgraphics, video, and text displays employing a graphical user interfaceto control all aspects of media playback including location of playback,scrolling, view control, audio volume, thumbnails, search/file toolbox,language selection, book marks, internal/external links, and the like.One purpose of the system is to present scripted presentations to massaudiences such as virtual classrooms or other educational or businesspresentations.

In its most compact form, the presentation viewing system and processaccording to the present invention displays a window to the user havinga presentation video sector that plays a video or audio program, apresentation slide sector that displays presentation slides associatedwith a different parts of the program, and a content sector.

The presentation video sector generally includes a playback space inwhich the video frames associated with a video program are played orimages associated with an audio program are displayed. In addition, aset of control buttons is displayed which are selected by the user tocontrol the playing of the program. For example, controls for starting,stopping, advancing and rewinding the program can be included. In regardto the displaying images in the playback space when the program is anaudio only program, this can include displaying a blank screen, a staticimage (such as one reading “Audio Only”), or an animation. Thepresentation video sector can also include an elapsed-time counterdisplay showing in one embodiment both an elapse time indicative of theelapsed running time of the program and the total running time of theprogram.

The presentation slide sector is designed to automatically display theparticular slide in the presentation slide sector that is scheduled tobe shown when the program reaches a prescribed elapsed running time. Theexception is when a contrary user-generated control instruction directsotherwise, as will be discussed shortly.

The content sector is generally employed by the user to interact withthe presentation viewing window. In the aforementioned compactembodiment of the window, the content sector displays a list of subjectmatter topics, each of which is associated with a different part of thepresentation. The user interacts with the window by selecting a subjectmatter topic via conventional graphic user interface methods in order tocontrol what part of the program is played and what presentation slideis displayed. In order to accomplish this interface each subject mattertopic is assigned an elapsed running time of the program thatcorresponds to the beginning of a portion of the program related to thattopic. The topic associated the portion of the program currently beingplayed is highlighted, and displayed at the top of the content sectorwith subsequent topics being listed below it in order of their assignedelapsed running time from soonest to latest. This is unless the userselects a different subject matter topic.

In the case where the user selects a different subject matter topic fromthe list in lieu of currently highlighted topic, several things happen.First, the selected topic is highlighted instead of the previouslyhighlighted topic. In addition, the program being played in thepresentation video sector is restarted at a point corresponding to theelapse running time assigned to the selected topic, and the slide thatis scheduled to be shown when the program is at the point correspondingto the elapse running time assigned to the selected topic, is displayedin the presentation slide sector. In this way, the user can immediatelyjump to a particular subject of interest within the presentation.

In some cases, there are too many subject matter topics to list in theirentirety within a space allotted to the content sector. When thisoccurs, the topics are displayed as described previously to the extentthat they will fit into the allotted space. Additionally, a scroll baris displayed in the content sector, which allows the user to scroll thelist of subject matter topics up and down so as to bring any of thetopics desired into view.

It is noted that the list of subject matter topics can also include oneor more links to video or audio programs other than the program beingplayed in the presentation video sector. Each of these links is assignedan elapsed running time of the program, and whenever the program playingin the presentation video sector reaches the elapsed running timeassigned to a link, it is paused and a demonstration window is opened.The video or audio presentation associated with the link is then playedin the demonstration window. When the presentation being played in thedemonstration window is complete, the window closes and the previouslypaused program playing in the presentation video sector is started fromwhere it left off. It is also noted that the same scenario is followedif a user selects a link in the list of subject matter topic displayedin the content sector. In addition, the demonstration window can beclosed by the user before the presentation playing therein is complete.This results in the program playing in the presentation video sectorbeing immediately restarted from where it left off.

In richer versions of the presentation viewing system and process, thecontent sector is used to display other useful interactive items, aswell. For example, the content sector can be used to display a list ofaudio transcript segments or thumbnail images of the presentationslides. To this end, the content sector also includes buttons that theuser would select to activate the various display modes. Thus, thesector could include buttons to activate the mode where the list ofsubject matter topics is displayed (e.g., a contents button), the modewhere the list of transcript segments is displayed (e.g., a transcriptbutton) and the mode where thumbnail images are displayed (e.g., athumbnails button). If other display modes are available for the contentsector, it is preferred that the mode where the list of subject mattertopics is displayed be designated as the default mode and be displayedwhen the presentation viewing window is initially opened.

The content sector can also be scaled in size within the presentationviewing window. This is accomplished as follows. Initially, the contentsector is displayed at an intermediate size. When displayed in theintermediate state, a pair of resizing buttons are shown. A first of theresizing buttons increases the size of the content sector within theoverall presentation viewing window to a prescribed maximum size, whiledecreasing the size of one or more adjacent sectors to make room. Theother of the resizing buttons reduces the content sector to a prescribedminimum size and increases the size of one or more adjacent sectors tosubstantially fill the vacant space in the window left by the decreasein the content sector size. When the content sector is displayed at itsmaximum size, a resizing button is included for returning the sector toits intermediate size, and when the sector is displayed at is minimumsize, a resizing button is included to increase the sector to itsintermediate size

In regard to the mode where the list of transcript segments is displayedin the content sector upon selection of a transcript button by the user,it is noted that each segment has a prescribed length such as a phrase,sentence, a prescribed number of sentences, paragraph, or a prescribednumber of paragraphs. Each segment is also assigned an elapsed runningtime of the program that corresponds to the portion of the program wherethe segment begins. It is further noted that the transcript segmentsneed not be direct translations of the audio track of the program beingplayed in the presentation video sector. Rather, a segment could be amodified or annotated version of the audio track, a translation intoanother language, or even a series of signing symbols for the deaf.

In the absence of input from the user, the transcript segment associatedthe portion of the program currently being played is highlighted anddisplayed at the top of the content sector with subsequent topics beinglisted below it in order of their assigned elapsed running time fromsoonest to latest. However, if the user selects a displayed transcriptsegment, the selected segment is highlighted instead of the previouslyhighlighted segment. In addition, the program being played in thepresentation video sector is restarted at a point corresponding to theelapse running time assigned to the selected segment, and the slide thatis scheduled to be shown when the program is at the point correspondingto the elapse running time assigned to the selected segment is displayedin the presentation slide sector. Thus, like the subject matter topicselection feature described previously, this feature is useful forjumping to a particular subject within the presentation that the user isinterested in playing.

When there are too many transcript segments to list in their entiretywithin a space allotted to the content sector (as will typically be thecase), the segments are displayed to the extent that they will fit intothe allotted space. A scroll bar is included in the content sector toallow the user to scroll through the list of transcript segments so asto display any of the segments desired.

In regard to the mode where the presentation slide thumbnail images areis displayed in the content sector upon selection of a thumbnails buttonby the user, each thumbnail image is assigned an elapsed running time ofthe program that corresponds to the point in the program that thepresentation slide depicted by the thumbnail image is scheduled to beshown in the presentation slide sector. In this case, without input fromthe user, the thumbnail image associated the portion of the programcurrently being played is highlighted and displayed in the upper leftside of the content sector with subsequent thumbnail images beingdisplayed in a left to right manner in one or more rows and in the orderof their assigned elapsed running time from soonest to latest. However,if the user selects a displayed thumbnail image in a first prescribedmanner (e.g., a standard single click maneuver), it is highlightedinstead of the previously highlighted image, and the presentation slidecorresponding to the thumbnail image is displayed in the presentationslide sector, regardless of the elapsed time of the program. In this waythe user can review or preview a presentation slide without affectingthe program playing in the presentation video sector. Alternately, ifthe user selects a displayed thumbnail image in a second prescribedmanner (e.g., a standard double click maneuver), it is highlightedinstead of the previously highlighted image, the program being played inthe presentation video sector is restarted at a point corresponding tothe elapse running time assigned to the selected thumbnail image, andthe slide depicted by the thumbnail is displayed in the presentationslide sector. This feature is also useful for jumping to a particularsubject within the presentation that the user is interested in playing.

In this case, when there are too many thumbnail images to display all ofthem within a space allotted to the content sector, the thumbnail imagesare displayed to the extent that they will fit into the allotted space.However, a scroll bar is included to allow the user to scroll throughthe complete set of thumbnail images.

Rich versions of the presentation viewing system and process can alsoinclude a links sector in which the user selects links to portions ofthe program playing in the presentation video sector, or to other files,programs and network sites. In a first mode, a list of links to otherfiles, programs and network sites is displayed in the links sector. Whena user selects one of the displayed links, a link window is opened andthe file, program or network site associated with a link is displayed inthe window. The user closes the link window when through with it. Eachlink displayed in the first mode of the links sector is eitherassociated with the program as a whole, a portion of the programcorresponding a subject matter topic, or a presentation slide. Onlythose links associated with the program as a whole, the portion of theprogram corresponding to the current subject matter topic and thecurrently displayed presentation slide are displayed in the links sectorwhen it is operating its first mode.

In a second display mode, the links sector displays a search requestspace and search results space. In this mode, the user enters text intothe search request space. For example, the request can take the form ofkeywords. A conventional search engine is employed to find within theprogram, one or more locations wherein data pertaining to the searchrequest can be found. In the example where the request is a keyword,this search could find all the instances where the keyword appears inthe audio transcript. A link is displayed to each location in theprogram found to have data pertaining to the search request. Thesesresults are displayed in the search results space. In the foregoingexample this could entail displaying the transcript segment or theapplicable part thereof that contains the search request keyword.

The second mode of the links sector can also include a search detailsspace in which additional details about a link can be displayed. To takeadvantage of this feature the user selects the desired link using afirst selection method (e.g., a single click maneuver) at which point itis highlighted and any additional details associated with the link aredisplayed in a search details space. The user can also select a link inthe links sector using a second selection method (e.g., a double clickmaneuver) at which point the link is highlighted as before. However, inthis case, the program being played in the presentation video sector isrestarted at a point corresponding to the link, and the presentationslide that is scheduled to be shown when the program is at the pointcorresponding the link is displayed in the presentation slide sector.Thus, the foregoing feature provides a way fro the user to find subjectsof interest within the presentation and immediately jump to that part ofthe program playing in the presentation video sector.

When there is not enough space allotted to the links sector to displaythe search request space, search results space, and search details spacein their entirety at one time, a scroll bar is displayed adjacent thesector. The user employs this scroll bar in a conventional manner toscroll the links sector spaces upward or downward until the space theuser desires to view can be seen. In addition, when there are too manylinks to display in their entirety within the space allotted to thesearch results space, or too many search details to display in theirentirety within the space allotted to the search details space, then ascroll bar is displayed adjacent the appropriate space or spaces, whichthe user employs to scroll through the links or details as the case maybe to bring a desired entry into view.

It is also noted that a clear button is displayed in the links sectorwhen operated in the aforementioned second mode. When the user selectsthe clear button, any search request or portion thereof displayed in thesearch request space, any link displayed in the search results space,and any search details displayed in the search details space, arecleared.

In a third display mode, the links sector displays a bookmarks space andan add button. In this mode, the user selects the add button at whichpoint a link is displayed in the bookmarks space to the location in theprogram playing in the presentation video sector corresponding to thecurrent elapsed time of the program. In this way, any number ofbookmarks to places of interest in the presentation can be created. Theuser can then revisit these bookmarked places. To jump to a bookmarkedlocation via a first method, the user selects a displayed bookmark linkusing a first prescribed selection method (e.g., a standard single clickmaneuver). This highlights the selected link. The user then selects a“goto” button that is also displayed in the links sector when operatingin its third mode. This causes the program being played in thepresentation video sector to start playing at a point corresponding tothe previously selected link. In addition, the presentation slide thatis scheduled to be shown when the program is at the point correspondingto the link is displayed in the presentation slide sector. Anothermethod of jumping to a bookmarked location involves selecting adisplayed bookmark link in a second prescribed manner (e.g., by using astandard double click maneuver). In this case, the program andpresentation slide immediately jump to the portion of the presentationassociated with the link, without the need to select the “goto” button.

In one embodiment of the bookmark feature, the links were subject mattertopic associated with the point in the program that the link wascreated. Thus, when the user goes to the link, the program is restartedat the beginning of the portion associated with the subject matter topicrepresented by the link. In another embodiment, the link is assigned theelapsed time of the program when it is created. In this case, when theuser goes to the link, the program is restarted at the elapsed timeassigned to the link.

It is noted that a remove button is also displayed in the links sectorwhen operated in the aforementioned third mode. When the user selects abookmark link displayed in the bookmarks space and then selects theremove button, the link is eliminated.

It is also noted that similar to the other modes of the links sector,when there are too many bookmark links to display in their entiretywithin the space allotted to the bookmarks space, a scroll bar isdisplayed adjacent the space. As before, the user employs the scroll barto scroll through the links to bring a desired entry into view.

In order for the user to initiate the various above-described linksector display modes, buttons are provided. Specifically, a files buttonis displayed, which the user selects to activate the first display modewhere links to other files, programs and network sites are provided. Inaddition, a search button is displayed, which the user selects toactivate the second display mode where the user can search thepresentation and select links to places therein. And finally, abookmarks button is displayed, which the user selects to activate thethird display mode where the user can establish and select links toplaces of interest in the presentation.

Still richer versions of the presentation viewing window can include apresentation information sector that displays information pertaining tothe program being played in the presentation video sector, such as itstitle, the name of the speaker, and so on. A banner sector could also beincorporated. This sector displays at least one of a company name, aproject name, and a slogan. Additionally, a counter showing both asequence number assigned to the presentation slide currently displayedin the slide sector and a number representing the total number ofpresentation slides available for display in the slide sector could beadded to the presentation viewing window.

Given that various versions of the presentation viewing window caninclude any number or all of the above-described sectors, considerationmust be given to the size of the window. For example, the preferrednominal window size allows all of the aforementioned sectors to belegibly displayed. However, what if the user wants to change the size ofthe window? One simple solution is to scale the size of each sectorproportionally in response to a command from the user to increase ordecrease the overall size of the window. While this solution would workwell for most resizing, there may be a point when the user is reducingthe size of the window that one or more of the sectors could become sosmall that they are illegible. An alternate window resizing scheme wouldpreclude this problem—namely by scaling the size of each sector based ona prescribed priority and a prescribed minimum size. Thus, for example,in response to a command from the user to decrease the overall size ofthe window that would result in some sectors being reduced in sizebeyond their prescribed minimum size, lower priority sectors would beeliminated from the window as needed in order of their assigned priorityfrom lowest to highest to ensure enough space is provided to accommodatethe remaining higher priority sectors at no less than their prescribedminimum size. This prioritized scaling process can also includerearranging the position of the remaining sectors within the window tominimize any unused window space and to maximize the size of theremaining sectors.

Another issue of concern when resizing the presentation viewing windowis the resolution of the presentation slides displayed in thepresentation slide sector. If the resolution of the slide display isallowed to vary with any resizing of the slide sector, the slides couldbecome harder to read. As such, the resolution of the presentation slidesector is preferable maintained at a prescribed level even if the slidesector is increased or decreased in size.

In addition to the just described benefits, other advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent from the detailed descriptionwhich follows hereinafter when taken in conjunction with the drawingfigures which accompany it.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The specific features, aspects, and advantages of the present inventionwill become better understood with regard to the following description,appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting a general purpose computing deviceconstituting an exemplary system for implementing the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a user interface window layout according to the presentinvention for a full-featured version of the presentation viewingsystem.

FIG. 3 shows a user interface window layout according to the presentinvention for a minimized version of the presentation viewing system.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the presentation viewing system window of FIG. 1that has been reduced in size where each sector is reducedproportionally, thus resulting in a smaller version of the window.

FIG. 5 shows a view of the presentation viewing system window of FIG. 1where the slide presentation sector has been increased in size withinthe window itself.

FIG. 6 shows a view of the presentation viewing system window of FIG. 1where the slide presentation sector has been decreased in size withinthe window itself.

FIG. 7 shows a view of the presentation viewing system window of FIG. 1where active “hot links” are displayed in the presentation slide sectorand subject matter topics are listed in the content sector.

FIG. 8 shows a view of the presentation viewing system window of FIG. 1where transcript segments are listed in the content sector.

FIG. 9 shows a view of the presentation viewing system window of FIG. 1where thumbnail images of the presentation slides are displayed in thecontent sector.

FIG. 10 shows a view of the presentation viewing system window of FIG. 1where a search option has been activated and search request and resultsspaces are displayed in the display area of the links sector.

FIG. 11 shows a view of the presentation viewing system window of FIG. 1where the display area of the links sector has been scrolled with thesearch option activated to display the search details space.

FIG. 12 shows a view of the presentation viewing system window of FIG. 1where a bookmarking option has been activated and a list of bookmarklinks created by the user is displayed in the display area of the linkssector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form apart hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specificembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understoodthat other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may bemade without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Before providing a description of the preferred embodiments of thepresentation viewing system, a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment in which the invention may be implemented will bedescribed. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a suitable computing systemenvironment 100. The computing system environment 100 is only oneexample of a suitable computing environment and is not intended tosuggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of theinvention. Neither should the computing environment 100 be interpretedas having any dependency or requirement relating to any one orcombination of components illustrated in the exemplary operatingenvironment 100.

The invention is operational with numerous other general purpose orspecial purpose computing system environments or configurations.Examples of well known computing systems, environments, and/orconfigurations that may be suitable for use with the invention include,but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-heldor laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems,set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs,minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environmentsthat include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

The invention may be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Theinvention may also be practiced in distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linkedthrough a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotecomputer storage media including memory storage devices.

With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary system for implementing theinvention includes a general purpose computing device in the form of acomputer 110. Components of computer 110 may include, but are notlimited to, a processing unit 120, a system memory 130, and a system bus121 that couples various system components including the system memoryto the processing unit 120. The system bus 121 may be any of severaltypes of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of busarchitectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architecturesinclude Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro ChannelArchitecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video ElectronicsStandards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral ComponentInterconnect (PCI) bus also known as Mezzanine bus.

Computer 110 typically includes a variety of computer readable media.Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby computer 110 and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media,removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatileand nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM,EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalversatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium which can be used to store the desired informationand which can be accessed by computer 110. Communication media typicallyembodies computer readable instructions, data structures, programmodules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier waveor other transport mechanism and includes any information deliverymedia. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one ormore of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encodeinformation in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media includes wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF,infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the aboveshould also be included within the scope of computer readable media.

The system memory 130 includes computer storage media in the form ofvolatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 131and random access memory (RAM) 132. A basic input/output system 133(BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer informationbetween elements within computer 110, such as during start-up, istypically stored in ROM 131. RAM 132 typically contains data and/orprogram modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presentlybeing operated on by processing unit 120. By way of example, and notlimitation, FIG. 1 illustrates operating system 134, applicationprograms 135, other program modules 136, and program data 137.

The computer 110 may also include other removable/non-removable,volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only,FIG. 1 illustrates a hard disk drive 141 that reads from or writes tonon-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive 151that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk 152,and an optical disk drive 155 that reads from or writes to a removable,nonvolatile optical disk 156 such as a CD ROM or other optical media.Other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storagemedia that can be used in the exemplary operating environment include,but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards,digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solidstate ROM, and the like. The hard disk drive 141 is typically connectedto the system bus 121 through an non-removable memory interface such asinterface 140, and magnetic disk drive 151 and optical disk drive 155are typically connected to the system bus 121 by a removable memoryinterface, such as interface 150.

The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed aboveand illustrated in FIG. 1, provide storage of computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules and other data for thecomputer 110. In FIG. 1, for example, hard disk drive 141 is illustratedas storing operating system 144, application programs 145, other programmodules 146, and program data 147. Note that these components can eitherbe the same as or different from operating system 134, applicationprograms 135, other program modules 136, and program data 137. Operatingsystem 144, application programs 145, other program modules 146, andprogram data 147 are given different numbers here to illustrate that, ata minimum, they are different copies. A user may enter commands andinformation into the computer 110 through input devices such as akeyboard 162 and pointing device 161, commonly referred to as a mouse,trackball or touch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may include amicrophone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like.These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit120 through a user input interface 160 that is coupled to the system bus121, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such asa parallel port, game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor191 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus121 via an interface, such as a video interface 190. In addition to themonitor, computers may also include other peripheral output devices suchas speakers 197 and printer 196, which may be connected through anoutput peripheral interface 195. Of particular significance to thepresent invention, a camera 163 (such as a digital/electronic still orvideo camera, or film/photographic scanner) capable of capturing asequence of images 164 can also be included as an input device to thepersonal computer 110. Further, while just one camera is depicted,multiple cameras could be included as input devices to the personalcomputer 110. The images 164 from the one or more cameras are input intothe computer 110 via an appropriate camera interface 165. This interface165 is connected to the system bus 121, thereby allowing the images tobe routed to and stored in the RAM 132, or one of the other data storagedevices associated with the computer 110. However, it is noted thatimage data can be input into the computer 110 from any of theaforementioned computer-readable media as well, without requiring theuse of the camera 163.

The computer 110 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer180. The remote computer 180 may be a personal computer, a server, arouter, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, andtypically includes many or all of the elements described above relativeto the computer 110, although only a memory storage device 181 has beenillustrated in FIG. 1. The logical connections depicted in FIG. 1include a local area network (LAN) 171 and a wide area network (WAN)173, but may also include other networks. Such networking environmentsare commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranetsand the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 110 is connectedto the LAN 171 through a network interface or adapter 170. When used ina WAN networking environment, the computer 110 typically includes amodem 172 or other means for establishing communications over the WAN173, such as the Internet. The modem 172, which may be internal orexternal, may be connected to the system bus 121 via the user inputinterface 160, or other appropriate mechanism. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 110, orportions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. Byway of example, and not limitation, FIG. 1 illustrates remoteapplication programs 185 as residing on memory device 181. It will beappreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers may beused.

The exemplary operating environment having now been discussed, theremaining part of this description section will be devoted to adescription of the viewer's perspective of the presentation viewingsystem. This will begin with a general description of the multi-mediainterface window layout that the viewer sees and interacts with, whenrunning the present presentation viewing system program on a computingdevice such as described above. This is then followed by more detaileddescriptions of each component (i.e., sector) of the window.

1.0 The Window Layout

Referring to FIG. 2, the overall window layout of a full-featuredversion of the presentation viewing system is shown. This full versionincludes all the basic and optional sectors of the system window. Inaddition, the window depicted in FIG. 2 represents the default view thatthe viewer sees when the presentation viewing system is first activated.

In the upper left hand corner of the presentation viewing system window,there is a video sector 202, which includes a playback space 204 fordisplaying a video presentation, an elapse time/total time counter 206,and a video player controls area 208. The controls area includes aseries of control icons 210 (which will hereafter be referred to asbuttons) that are selectable by a viewer.

Any convention method of selection could be implemented in thepresentation viewing system to allow the viewer to select functionalfeatures such as the video controls. In tested versions of thepresentation viewing system, two modes of selection wereimplemented-namely standard single click and double click selectionmodes. For example, if the viewer is employing a conventional mouse ortouch pad as an input device, the screen cursor would be moved as usualwith the device and placed over the button whose function the viewerwants to activate. The viewer then “clicks” a selection button on thedevice either once or twice, as needed to activate the desired function.As the various interactive functions of the presentation viewing systemare discussed in the sections to follow, it should be assumed that thefirst selection mode is used to activate a function, unless specifiedotherwise.

In the upper right hand corner of the presentation viewing systemwindow, there is a banner sector 212, and just below it is a slidepresentation sector 214 for displaying presentation slides associatedwith the video presentation. Just below the slide sector is a contentssector 216. The contents sector includes a set of buttons 218, 220, 222labeled “Contents”, “Transcript” and “Thumbnails” respectively. One ormore resizing buttons 224 for changing the size of the contents sectorin relation to the overall window are also included, as is a displayspace 226 located just below the buttons 219, 220, 222, 224. A smallmiscellaneous sector 228 is provided just below the contents sector atthe bottom of the window. This sector can be used for displayinginformation that is not appropriate, or which would be distracting, todisplay elsewhere. For example, copyright information and a slidecounter 230 can be displayed in this area, as it is in the example viewshown in FIG. 2. On the left hand side of the window, just below thevideo sector 202, there is a presentation information sector 232, andjust below that a links sector 234. The links sector 234 includes a setof buttons 236, 238, 240 labeled “Files”, “Search” and “Bookmarks”,respectively. The layout of all the foregoing sectors and theirfunctionality will be described in more detail in the sections tofollow.

It is noted that the contents, links, and possibly the presentationinformation sectors will at times need to relay more data to the viewerthan can be displayed in the space available. When this situation occursa provision for scrolling through the listed data in these sectors isprovided. Any conventional scrolling method can be employed. In thetested versions of the presentation viewing system, a slider is providedfor scrolling purposes. For example, such a slider 242, is provided tothe right of the contents sector's display space 226 in the example viewshown in FIG. 2. These sliders will be discussed in more detail in thesections to follow, as well.

The full-featured version of the presentation viewing system windowdescribed above can be reconfigured to include fewer of the identifiedsectors, if desired. In essence, the window could be pared down to justthe video, slide presentation, and contents sectors—with the contentssector being limited to displaying just the contents topics associatedwith the aforementioned contents button (as will be described later).While it is believed a fuller version of the present system would be amore enriching experience for the viewer, a minimized version shouldstill be very useful for educational and business presentations, and thelike. An example of the above-described minimized version of thepresentation viewing system window 300 is shown in FIG. 3, with theexception that a banner sector 302 is also included at the top left handside of the window.

FIG. 3 also illustrates that the location and the size of the individualsectors is not limited to the exemplary layout shown in FIG. 2. As canbe seen in FIG. 3, the video sector 304 is smaller, and the banner 302and contents sectors 306 are located differently, when compared to thelayout shown in FIG. 2. In generally, the number, location and size ofthe various sectors can be varied as desired, without departing from thescope of the present invention.

The presentation viewing system window is also scalable in that it canbe varied in overall size. In one version of the present system, thescaling reduces the size of each included sector proportionally, thusresulting in a larger or smaller version of the same window, as depictedin FIG. 4. However, it is noted that some of the items displayed in thevarious sectors could become too small to be readily legible if the sizeof the window is reduced. To prevent this problem from occurring it ispossible in an alternate version of the present system to establishminimum sector sizes and prioritize them. The sectors are theneliminated in order of importance as the overall size of the window isscaled down to the extent that one or more of the sectors would have tobe shrunk beyond its assigned minimum size. For example, the full-upversion of the presentation viewing system window could be reduced tothe aforementioned minimized version, if the window is reduced to itsminimum size. Only the highest priority sectors (i.e., the presentationvideo sector, the presentation slide sector and the contents sector)would remain in the minimized version. The location of the remainingsectors could also be changed to minimize any unused space in theviewing window and to facilitate the legibility of the scaled downsectors by making them as big as the space available will allow.

The presentation viewing system also has another unique feature relatedto any resizing of the slide presentation sector. Specifically, theresolution of the presentation slide displayed in the slide sector 214,is maintained regardless of the size of the sector. This feature will bediscussed in greater detail later.

2.0 The Video Sector

The video sector is generally used to display the playback of the videopresentation, as described previously. More particularly, referring toFIG. 2, when the video is running, it is displayed in a playback space204. In tested versions of the present system, the maximum resolution ofthe video was 320×240.

The video sector also includes the aforementioned buttons 210 forcontrolling the playback of the video presentation. While the number ofcontrol buttons can vary, they preferably at least include buttons forplaying, pausing, “rewinding”, and “advancing” the video. Other buttonsto control features such as muting the audio playback, returning to thebeginning of the video, and the like, or even a link to a help featureassociated with the video player program being employed can be includedas well. The viewer selects the control functions by selecting theappropriate button.

In addition to the video player control buttons, the video sector canalso include the aforementioned counter 206 showing both elapsed timefrom the beginning of the video presentation and the total running timeof the video. For example, in tested versions of the presentationviewing system, this counter took the form of “XX:XX/XX:XX”, where thenumbers before the slash represent the minutes and seconds respectivelyof the elapsed time, and the number to the right of the slash representthe minutes and seconds of the total running time.

It is noted that the video could include an area showing a personsigning for deaf viewers or some graphical representation thereof. Inaddition, the video could be replaced with an audio only lecture, inwhich case the controls buttons would control the playback of the audio.In the case of an audio program, the playback space of the previewsector could be left blank (typically all black), or a predeterminedvisual frame or effect could be employed. For example, the playbackspace could display an image reading “Audio Only” throughout theplayback of the program. Alternatively, a prescribed animation sequencecould be presented in the playback space during the playback of an audioprogram.

3.0 The Presentation Information Sector

The presentation information sector displays information pertaining tothe particular presentation being played. This information can beanything that would be useful for the viewer to know about thepresentation. For example, referring to FIG. 2 once again, thepresentation information sector 232 can include the title of the courseor subject of the presentation, and the name of the speaker in the video(as was the case in the tested versions of the system).

4.0 The Slide Presentation Sector

The slide presentation sector is essentially a viewing space fordisplaying presentation slides associated with the video, as discussedpreviously. The slides will typically pertain to the discussionpresented in the video and change as the video presentation plays. Thevideo presentation may even refer to the displayed slide. Thepresentation slides are created for the present system using anyappropriate presentation graphics program, such as MicrosoftCorporation's PowerPoint®. The slides can include any of the functionaland interactive features that the presentation program is able toprovide. For example, the slides displayed in the viewing space canexhibit animations, include embedded images, or the like. In addition,as depicted in FIG. 7, a presentation slide 744 displayed in the slidepresentation sector 714 can have active “hot links” 746 that whenselected (e.g., by double clicking) connect to outside files, programs,Internet or intranet sites, or any other linkable item.

As mentioned previously, the presentation slides exhibit a highresolution and have a unique feature of retaining their resolutionregardless of the size of the slide presentation sector, therebyretaining their readability. Accordingly, if the entire presentationviewing system window is upsized or downsized, the resolution of thedisplayed presentation slide remains the same. An example of thisscenario is shown in FIG. 4, where the window 400 has been downsized.Likewise, if the size of the presentation sector is enlarged or reducedinternally within the window (as will be described later), theresolution and readability of the displayed slides remains constant. Anexample of the slide presentation sector 514 being increased in sizewithin the window 500 itself is shown in FIG. 5. An example of the slidepresentation sector 614 being decreased in size within the window 600 isshown in FIG. 6.

A presentation slide counter is also provided in the presentationviewing system window, either adjacent to the slide sector or as intested versions of the system in a remote location where it is lessdistracting. In tested versions of the present system, this slidecounter 230 took the form of “SLIDE XX OF XX”, where the first numberrefers to the sequence number of the presentation slide then displayedin the slide presentation sector and the second number refers to thetotal number of slides in the presentation, as shown in FIG. 2.

5.0 The Content Sector

The contents sector includes three buttons and a display space, asdiscussed previously. Referring to FIG. 2 once again, the three buttonsare the contents button 218, the transcript button 220 and thethumbnails button 222. Each button 218, 220, 222 activates a differentcontent option and results in something different being displayed in thedisplay space 226. In general, each option relates to a way of followingand affecting the progress of the video presentation.

The contents sector is resizable using the aforementioned resizingbuttons 224. When the presentation viewing system window is initiallyopened, the contents sector 216 has an intermediate or nominal size, asshown in FIG. 2. In this mode, there is a resizing button for increasingthe size of the display space, and a resizing button for closing thedisplay space. When the display space of the contents sector 616 isenlarged, its vertical height is increased, as shown in FIG. 6. As aresult, the adjacent sector (which in the case of the tested,full-featured versions of the system was the presentation slide sector614) above or below the contents sector is reduced in size vertically.In the case of the presentation slide sector 614, this reduction in sizecauses the size of the displayed slide 644 to decrease, similar to whenthe overall size of the presentation viewing system window is reduced.Conversely, referring now to FIG. 5, when the display space of thecontents sector 516 is closed, the adjacent sector is increased in size,and in the case of the slide sector 514, the overall size of thedisplayed slide 544 is increased. As indicated previously, this increasein the size of the slide is done without loss of resolution. Thus, theslide remains very readable.

When the display space of the contents sector is in its enlarged mode, aresizing button 624 is displayed to reduce the space back to its nominalsize, as shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, when the display space 516 of thecontents sector is closed, a resizing button 524 is displayed to returnthe space back to its nominal size, as shown in FIG. 5.

5.1 Contents Option

Referring again to FIG. 2, the contents option is activated when aviewer first opens the presentation viewing system, or when the viewerselects the contents button 218. Upon its selection the contents optioncauses a list of topics 248 to be displayed in the display space 226.Each topic 248 in the list corresponds to a separate section of thevideo presentation and has a short title representative of subjectmatter of that section. In addition, a duration time is appended to eachtopic, which indicates the length of that portion of the video.Initially, when the contents option is activated, the topic 248 thenbeing covered in the video presentation is highlighted (e.g., by showingit in a different color, font, size, or in some visibly apparent waymade different from the rest of the listed items) and displayed at thetop of the topic list in the display space 226, as shown in FIG. 2.Listed below in the order in which they are covered in the videopresentation are other topics 248. As the video presentation proceedsand moves on to a new topic, the list automatically scrolls such thatthe new topic is highlighted in lieu of the just-completed topic, andmoved up to the top of the list.

It is noted that not all the topics associated with the videopresentation may be able to be displayed in the room available in thedisplay space. However, the viewer can manually scroll through thetopics list, moving up or down as desired, to display whatever topic inthe list the viewer desires. In the tested versions of the presentsystem, this scrolling can be performed using a slider 242 that isdisplayed to the side of the display space 226, as shown in FIG. 2.However, any other conventional scrolling method could alternately bemade available for this purpose, such as using the arrow keys on akeyboard. It is further noted that the previously described enlargedmode of the display space can be useful in that the added room is usedto display more of the contents topics.

The viewer can also manually select any of the topics listed in thedisplay space. Upon selection of a topic, that topic 748 becomeshighlighted in the list, and the video begins playing at the beginningof the portion of the presentation covering the selected topic, as bestshown in FIG. 7. In addition, the presentation slide 744 correspondingto that portion of the video is displayed in the slide sector 714.

As is evident from the foregoing description, the video presentation issegmented into a sequential list of content topics. This segmentationcan manifest itself in a variety of ways. One of the simplestsegmentation schemes involves using the presentations slides as adividing line. Thus, a separate topic is created for each presentationslide and refers to the portion of the video associated with that slide.This scheme can have the added advantage of using the presentation slidetitles (if available) as the text for the content topic. However, thepresent system is not limited to a one-topic-per-slide scheme. Ratherany division can be made and any word or phrase can be used as the textfor the topics. For example, a particular subject discussed in a videopresentation might involve the use of multiple slides. In such a case itmight be more appropriate to have just one content topic to refer to theentire discussion. Thus, when the content topic is selected, the firstof the applicable slides would be displayed in the presentation slidesector, and the video would begin to play at the point where thediscussion of the selected topic begins. As the video proceeds, theslides would change but the content topic line would not. Anotherexample of an alternate segmentation scheme involves the situation wherethe video might discuss multiple subjects, but refer to only one slide.In such a case, it might be desirable to have a separate content topicfor each of the subject. Thus, when the first of these content topics isselected, the video will begin playing at the point where that topicbegins and the slide covering all the aforementioned topics is displayedin the presentation slide sector. As the video plays, the content topicline will changes, but the same slide will be displayed throughout.

The contents topic list can also include a demonstration or “demo” link.The demo link is listed as a topic in the topics list and given anyappropriate name—preferably one including an indication that the topicis a link to an outside video presentation. When the video playing inthe presentation viewing system window reaches the point in thepresentation corresponding to the demo link, or if the viewer selectsthe link in the contents list, the video is paused and the associatedlink to the outside video is opened up. Specifically, the demo linklinks to an outside video player program that automatically plays avideo in a separate window on the screen. The demo video windowpreferably includes video controls similar to those included in thevideo sector of the presentation viewing system window. Once the outsidevideo demo is finished playing or the viewer closes it, the presentationviewing system window automatically comes back into the forefront of thescreen and the main video presentation resumes playing where it left offwith the next topic in the content topic list.

5.2 Transcript Option

Referring now to FIG. 8, the transcript option is activated when aviewer selects the transcript button 820. Upon its selection thetranscript option causes a transcript of the audio track of the videopresentation to be displayed in the display space 826. Specifically, asmuch of the transcript that includes the portion corresponding to thepart of the audio track currently playing, and that can fit into thedisplay space 826, is shown. Thus, if the display space is in itsenlarged mode, more of the transcript can be displayed (as shown in FIG.6).

The portion of the transcript corresponding to the part of the audiotrack currently playing is highlighted. This displayed and highlightedportion has a prescribed length referred to as a transcript unit. Thistranscript unit can be any length desired, such as a phrase, a sentenceor set number of sentences, a paragraph or set number of paragraphs, oran entire section. In tested versions of the present system, thetranscript unit was a paragraph in length. The transcript units arepreferably separated from each other in the display space 826, so theviewer can readily distinguish between the units. For example, each unitcould be separated by starting it on a new line or by including a blankline between the units. The highlighted transcript unit is normallydisplayed at the top of the display space 826 with the subsequentlyoccurring units listed below it. As the video plays, the transcriptscrolls down in the display space with each new prescribed portion(i.e., transcript unit) being highlighted when the audio track reachesit and moved to the top of the displayed list.

The viewer can also manually scroll up and down through the transcript.To this end, a slider 842 is provided at the side of the display space826, as shown in FIG. 8, for this purpose, in tested versions of thepresent system. However, other scrolling techniques could be employedinstead. The viewer can also select individual transcript units of thetranscript that are displayed in the display space. When a viewerselects a part of the transcript that is not currently being played inthe video, the video restarts at the point corresponding to thebeginning of the selected transcript unit. In addition, the presentationslide associated with the section of the video being played is displayedin the slide sector.

The transcript need not be in the same language as the audio track ofthe video. Thus, the transcript can act as translation of the video,akin to subtitles used in traditional movies. The transcript also neednot be verbatim, and could include annotations and modifications to whatis said on the video's audio track. The transcript could even be aseries of signing symbols for the deaf.

5.3 Thumbnails Option

The thumbnails option is activated when a viewer selects the thumbnailsbutton 922, as shown in FIG. 9. Upon its selection the thumbnails optioncauses thumbnail versions 950 of the presentation slides 944 to appearin the display space 926. Appended to each thumbnail 950 (e.g., at thebottom as in the tested versions of the present system) is a timeindicator 952 specifying the elapse time of the video where thediscussion of the presentation slide represented by the thumbnailbegins. The thumbnails 950 are shown in sequence from left to right inthe display space 926, and can be wrapped around in one or more rowsdepending on the size of the space. Thus, more thumbnails would bedisplayed when the display space is in its enlarged mode. The thumbnail950 representing the presentation slide 944 that is currently displayedin the presentation slide sector 914 and associated with the portion ofthe video currently being played, is initially displayed in leftmostposition in the top row thumbnails (i.e., the first thumbnail position).This thumbnail 950 is also highlighted to indicate it represents thecurrently displayed presentation slide 944. As the video plays and thenext presentation slide is displayed in the slide sector, the thumbnailrepresenting this slide is highlighted and moved into the firstthumbnail position. The rest of the thumbnails move up one position,with the thumbnail representing the previously displayed slide beingremoved, and the last position being filled with a new thumbnailrepresenting the last slide in the displayed thumbnail sequence (ifany).

The viewer can also scroll forwards and backwards through thumbnailssequence. When the viewer scrolls past the first position in the displayspace, new thumbnails appear representing presentations slide comingearlier in the sequence (up to the first slide), and thumbnails at theend of the displayed portion of the sequence disappear from view.Likewise, when the viewer scrolls past the last position in the displayspace, new thumbnails appear representing presentations slide cominglater in the sequence (down to the last slide), and thumbnails at thefront of the displayed portion of the sequence that occupy the firstposition in the display space disappear from view. In tested versions ofthe presentation viewing system, a slider 954 is provided for thispurpose, as shown in FIG. 9. This slider 954 is provided at the bottomof the display space 926. However, it could just as well be at the top,and other scrolling techniques could be employed instead. The viewer canselect any thumbnail in the display space, using one of two modes. Whena viewer selects a thumbnail using the first selection mode (e.g.,single click), it is highlighted and the presentation slide representedby the selected thumbnail is displayed in the presentation slide sector,even if it is not the slide currently being discussed in the video. Ifthe viewer selects a displayed thumbnail using the second selection mode(e.g., double click), the selected thumbnail is highlighted and thepresentation slide represented by the selected thumbnail is displayed inthe presentation slide sector as before, but this time the videorestarts at the point corresponding to the beginning of the discussionof the displayed presentation slide.

6.0 The Links Sector

Referring again to FIG. 2, the links sector 234 is a multi-purpose,interactive region that includes buttons 236, 238, 240 for selecting aFiles, Search or Bookmarks option, respectively. Each of these optionsbrings up a list of links to portions of the video presentation oroutside programs, files, Internet or intranet sites, and the like.

6.1 Files Option

The Files option, when activated, provides a list of links 254 that aredisplayed in the display area 256 of the links sector, as shown in FIG.2. The links 254 can generally be to any number of things, such as data,image or video files in any number of other programs, Internet orintranet sites, other programs, and the like. In addition, the links 254could be specific to the currently displayed presentation slide or thecurrent video presentation topic, or they could pertain to thepresentation as a whole. If they are slide/topic specific, then thelinks 254 would change as each new slide or topic is reached in thevideo presentation.

In operation, the viewer selects the Files button 236, and a list of allavailable links 254 are displayed in the display area 256 of the sector234. A viewer selects any of the links and the selected link is opened.The file, program, site, etc. associated with the link will typically beviewed in a separate window overlying the presentation viewing systemwindow. The viewer can then use the link as desired, and upon closing itis returned to the presentation viewing system window.

6.2 Search Option

Referring to FIG. 10, the search option, when activated, displays asearch request space 1058 and a search request button 1060, as well as asearch results space 1062 in the aforementioned display area of thelinks sector 1034. In addition, a “Clear” button 1064 is displayed. Andfinally, space permitting, a search details space is displayed (notshown in FIG. 10). Referring now to FIG. 11, if there is not enoughspace in the links sector 1134 to initially display the search detailsspace 1166, then it can be found by scrolling down. In the case oftested versions of the present system, a slider 1168 is provided at theside of the display area 1156 for the purpose of scrolling.

Referring again to FIG. 10, in operation, a viewer selects the searchbutton 1038 at which point the above-described search spaces aredisplayed in the display area 1034. The viewer then enters a searchrequest 1070 in the request space 1058, which in the case of testedversions of the present system were keywords. Of course, other searchengines can be employed instead and requests need not be keyword based.As the viewer enters each letter, number or symbol of the search request1070, the closest fitting search subjects 1072 known to the system aredisplayed in the search results space 1062. In tested versions of thepresentation viewing system, the keywords represented actual text fromthe transcript of the video being played, and the search subjects whereshort phrases parsed from the transcript that begin with the keyword. Insuch a case, the search option would be available only when the presentsystem includes the aforementioned transcript option. The search resultsspace 1062 is typically large enough, depending on the window scaling,to display several search subjects 1072 containing the text or symbolsentered by the viewer. Once the keyword is entered, the viewer sees alist of phrases beginning with the keyword entered (or one close to thekeyword entered). The viewer then selects one of the listed searchsubjects 1072. It is noted that the list of phrases containing thekeyword may exceed the space available to display them in the searchresults space 1062. If so, the viewer can scroll through the list. Tothis end, in tested versions of the present system, a slider 1074 isprovided to the side of the search results space 1062 for scrollingpurposes.

The selection procedure has two modes (e.g., single and double click).In the first mode (e.g., single click), selecting a search subjectcauses additional information 1176 about the subject to be displayed inthe search details space 1166, as shown in FIG. 11. In tested versionsof the presentation viewing system, the details displayed correspond tothe previously described transcript unit associated with the selectedphrase in the transcript containing the keyword. In addition, theselected search subject is highlighted. If the second selection mode isenacted (e.g., double click), the selected search subject is stillhighlighted, but in this case a global reset is performed where thevideo is restarted at the point corresponding to the transcript unitcontaining the selected search subject. In addition, the presentationslide associated with the part of the video now being played isdisplayed in the slide presentation sector. Further, depending onwhether the contents, transcript or thumbnail option is selected, thecontents sector displays the item corresponding to the part of the videobeing played. For example, if the contents option is active, thecontents topic, as well as other topics coming thereafter spacepermitting, are displayed in the display area of the contents sector.Whereas, if the transcript option is active, the particular transcriptunit containing the selected search subject is displayed, as well asother adjacent transcript units as space permits. And finally, if thethumbnail option is active, the thumbnail corresponding to the newlydisplayed presentation slide is displayed, along with those slidethumbnails following it that will fit in the display area of thecontents section.

The viewer can also select the aforementioned clear button at any pointin the search process after having entered all or part of a searchrequest. When the clear button is activated, all the search spaces arecleared, and are ready for a new request.

6.3 Bookmarks Option

The bookmarks option, when activated, allows a viewer to make a list ofparts of the video presentation that the viewer would like ready accessto in the future (i.e., bookmarking portions of the video). Referring toFIG. 12, in tested versions of the presentation viewing system, thebookmark list created by the viewer is a list of content topics 1278corresponding to the portions of the video presentation concerning thetopics.

In operation, the viewer selects the bookmarks button 1240. This resultsin three buttons being displayed in the links sector 1234—namely, add,remove and “goto” buttons 1280, 1282, 1284. In addition, a bookmarksspace 1256 is displayed. The bookmarks space 1256 is blank if the viewerhas not previously created any bookmarks. However, if the viewer hascreated bookmarks, they are listed in the bookmarks space 1256 (as shownin FIG. 12).

The viewer selects the add 1280 button to create a bookmark. Uponselection of the add button 1280, a bookmark link 1278 representing alink to the portion of the video then being played is listed in thebookmarks space. In tested versions of the present system, this bookmarklink 1278 was the content topic corresponding to the portion of thevideo being played when the viewer selected the add button 1280. Anynumber of bookmarks can be created in this manner. If the list becomesto long to be displayed in its entirety in the bookmarks space 1256, theviewer can scroll through the list to bring a desired bookmark intoview. To this end, a slider (not shown) can be included at the side ofthe bookmarks space.

A bookmark remains in the bookmarks list until the viewer manuallyremoves it. This removal entails selecting the bookmark 1278 that is tobe removed in the bookmarks space 1256 using the first of two selectionmodes. In this first selection mode (e.g., single click), the chosencontent topic is highlighted in the bookmarks list. The viewer can thenselect the remove button 1282, which results in the highlighted topicbeing deleted from the list in the bookmarks space 1256.

The viewer can also elect to go to the bookmarked portion of the videopresentation. This can be accomplished in two different ways. The viewercan highlight the desired bookmark 1278 using the aforementioned firstselection mode, and then select the goto button 1284. Alternately, theviewer can select the desired bookmarks 1278 using the second selectionmode (e.g., double click). The result of either selection method is thesame, a global reset is performed as described previously, except inthis case the video is restarted at the point corresponding to thebeginning of the content topic associated with the selected bookmark.

7.0 The Banner Sector

Referring again to FIG. 2, the banner sector 212 is employed to displaya logo or banner 286. Typically, the information displayed in the bannersector 212 would relate to the subject of the presentation provided bythe presentation viewing system. However, this need not always be thecase. Any desired information could appear in the banner sector 212. Forexample, a company logo, project name, or even a slogan could bedisplayed. It is also noted that the information displayed can be in theform of text or graphics, or a combination of both.

1. An interactive, multi-media presentation viewing system, comprising:a general purpose computing device comprising a display, user interfaceselection device and user interface data entry device; and a computerprogram comprising program modules executable by the computing device,wherein the computing device is directed by the program modules of thecomputer program to display a presentation viewing system window on thedisplay comprising a plurality of sectors comprising, a presentationvideo sector which plays a video or audio program associated with thepresentation, a presentation slide sector which displays presentationslides each of which is associated with a different portion of thepresentation, a content sector which in a first mode comprises a displayof a list of subject matter topics each of which is associated with adifferent portion of the presentation; and wherein said content sectoris employed by a user using said selection and data entry devices tocontrol the playing of the program and the display of presentationsslides.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the program module fordisplaying the presentation video sector, comprises sub-modules for:displaying a playback space in which the video frames associated with avideo program are played or images associated with an audio program aredisplayed, wherein if the program is an audio program, displaying imagesassociated with the audio program comprises displaying one of (i) ablank screen, (ii) a static image, (iii) an animation, and whereindisplaying the static image comprises displaying an image comprisingtext reading “Audio Only;” and displaying a set of control buttons whichupon selection by the user, controls the playing of the programcomprising causing the program to play, pause, advance or rewind. 3-5.(canceled)
 6. The system of claim 2, wherein the program module fordisplaying the presentation video sector, further comprises a sub-modulefor displaying an elapsed-time counter showing both an elapse timeindicative of the elapsed running time of the program and a totalrunning time of the program. 7-16. (canceled)
 17. The system of claim 1,wherein the program module for displaying the content sector comprises asub-module for scaling the sector in size.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The systemof claim 1, wherein the program modules for displaying the presentationviewing system window further comprise displaying a counter showing botha sequence number assigned to the presentation slide currently displayedin the slide sector and a number representing the total number ofpresentation slides available for display in the slide sector.
 20. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the program modules for displaying thepresentation viewing system window further comprise a module for scalingthe window in overall size which scales the size of each sector thereofproportionally in response to a command from the user to increase ordecrease the overall size of the window. 21-24. (canceled)
 25. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the program modules for displaying thepresentation viewing system window further comprise a module fordisplaying the content sector in a second mode in which a list oftranscript segments of the audio of said program are displayed, andwherein said module comprises a sub-module for displaying a transcriptbutton that when selected by the user via the selection device causesthe content sector to be operated in the second mode, if it is notalready, such that said list of transcript segments is displayedtherein, and wherein one or more of the transcript segments represent amodified or annotated version of the portion of the audio track of saidprogram corresponding to that segment. 26-32. (canceled)
 33. The systemof claim 25, wherein each transcript segment represents a translation ofthe portion of the audio track of said program corresponding to thesegment into either another language or a series of signing symbols forthe deaf.
 34. (canceled)
 35. The system of claim 1, wherein the programmodules for displaying the presentation viewing system window furthercomprise a module for displaying the content sector in a third mode inwhich a sequence of thumbnail images representing the presentationslides that are available for display in the presentation slide aredisplayed, and a thumbnails button is displayed, wherein selection ofthe thumbnails button by the user via the selection device causes thecontent sector to be operated in the third mode, if it is not already,such that said sequence of thumbnail images is displayed therein. 36-42.(canceled)
 43. The system of claim 1, wherein the program modules fordisplaying the presentation viewing system window further comprisedisplaying a links sector in which the user selects links to portions ofsaid program or other files, programs and network sites. 44-46.(canceled)
 47. The system of claim 43, wherein the program module fordisplaying the links sector comprises; a sub-module for displaying thelinks sector in a second mode which comprises displaying a searchrequest space and search results space; and a sub-module for displayinga search request button that when selected by the user via the selectiondevice causes the links sector to be operated in the second mode, if itis not already. 48-55. (canceled)
 56. The system of claim 43, whereinthe program module for displaying the links sector comprises; asub-module for displaying the links sector in a third mode whichcomprises displaying a bookmarks space and an add button; and asub-module for displaying a bookmarks button that when selected by theuser via the selection device causes the links sector to be operated inthe third mode, if it is not already. 57-62. (canceled)
 63. The systemof claim 1, wherein the program modules for displaying the presentationviewing system window further comprise displaying a presentationinformation sector which displays information pertaining to the programbeing played in the presentation video sector.
 64. The system of claim1, wherein the program modules for displaying the presentation viewingsystem window further comprise displaying a banner sector which displaysat least one of (i) a company name, (ii) a project name, and (iii) aslogan.
 65. In a computer system having a graphical user interfaceincluding a display, user interface selection device and user interfacedata entry device, a interactive presentation viewing process forviewing a presentation having multimedia components, comprising processactions for: displaying a presentation viewing window on the displaywherein the window comprises a plurality of sectors which are employedby the user using said selection and data entry devices to play a videoor audio program, view presentation slides each of which is associatedwith a different portion of the program, and to view a list of subjectmatter topics each of which is associated with a different portion ofthe program; and allowing the user to interact with said list of subjectmatter topics so as to specify what portion of the program is to beplayed and what presentation slide is to be viewed.
 66. The process ofclaim 65, wherein the process action of displaying a presentationviewing window comprises an action of displaying a presentation videosector in which a video or audio program is played in a playback spacein which the video frames associated with a video program are played orimages associated with an audio program are displayed, and a set ofcontrol buttons which upon selection by the user controls the playing ofthe program. 67-68. (canceled)
 69. The process of claim 65, wherein theprocess action of displaying a presentation viewing window comprises anaction of displaying a content sector comprising said list of subjectmatter topics, each of which is associated with a different portion ofthe program.
 70. (canceled)
 71. The process of claim 65, wherein theprocess action of displaying a presentation viewing window comprises anaction of displaying a content sector comprising a list of transcriptsegments of the audio of said program.
 72. (canceled)
 73. The process ofclaim 65, wherein the process action of displaying a presentationviewing window comprises an action of displaying a content sectorcomprising a sequence of thumbnail images representing the presentationslides that are available for display in the presentation slide sector.74-75. (canceled)
 76. The process of claim 65, wherein the processaction of displaying a presentation viewing window comprises an actionof displaying a presentation links sector in which the user selectslinks to portions of said program or other files, programs and networksites. 77-82. (canceled)
 83. A computer-readable medium havingcomputer-executable instructions for providing an interactive,multi-media presentation viewing window in which a user views andcontrols the playback of a presentation, said computer-executableinstructions comprising: displaying a presentation video sector whichplays a video or audio program associated with the presentation;displaying a presentation slide sector which displays presentationslides each of which is associated with a different portion of theprogram; and displaying a content sector which, in a first modecomprises a display of a list of subject matter topics each of which isassociated with a different portion of the program and which can beselected by the user to begin playing the portion of the programassociated with the selected topic, in a second mode comprises a displayof a list of transcript segments each of which is associated with adifferent portion of the audio track of the program and which can beselected by the user to begin playing the portion of the programassociated with the selected segment, and in a third mode comprises adisplay of a set of thumbnail images of said presentation slides andwhich can be selected by the user to begin playing the portion of theprogram associated with the presentation slide corresponding to theselected thumbnail image.
 84. The computer-readable medium of claim 83,further comprising an instruction for displaying a presentation linkssector which: in a first mode comprises displaying a list of links toother files, programs and network sites which can be selected by theuser to open the link in a separate link window; in a second modecomprises displaying a search request space in which the user can entera search request and search results space which lists links to portionsof the program applicable to the search request, and wherein the usercan select a link in the search results space to being playing theportion of the program associated with the link; and in a third modecomprises displaying a bookmarks space and an add button wherein theuser can select the add button to add a bookmark link to the portion ofthe program being played when the add button is selected to thebookmarks space, and wherein the user can select a bookmark link in thebookmarks space to begin playing the portion of the program associatedwith the link.